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Oh, what a night market: Nanaimo’s Commercial Street anticipates a crowd tonight

Commercial Street Night Market returns Thursday, June 23, after two-year hiatus
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The Commercial Street Night Market returns tonight, June 23. (News Bulletin file photo)

There’s no curbing enthusiasm for the fun and entertainment of Nanaimo’s Commercial Street Night Market, set for its long-awaited return tonight.

Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo is closed to automobile traffic every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. between June 23 and Sept. 1, when the space fills with dozens of artisans and crafters, street entertainers, musicians, food trucks and activities for thousands of visitors who pack the street.

COVID-19 cancelled the summertime event for two years, but its return for 2022 promises to be bigger and more exciting with main entertainment happening from three stages and this year the market includes a family zone.

“We’re focusing a bit more on family and children’s entertainment…” said Kim Smythe, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce CEO. “We have some additional kids activities planned that we haven’t had in the past.”

One of the three entertainment stages will be set up by the food trucks – about a dozen in all and offering a lots of diversity in food choices – to help ensure everyone can find street side cuisine to suit their palate.

“We’re throwing a lot more at it this year,” Smythe said. “We’re sold out for vendors. We’re sold out for food trucks and our entertainment roster is lined up for at least the first month of summer.”

Getting to Nanaimo’s Commercial Night Markets is easier this year too with a public transit park and ride, and a bike parking compound set up for everyone who wants to leave their cars at home.

For more information, visit http://nanaimochamber.bc.ca/nanaimo-night-market.

READ ALSO: Nanaimo night market reopens in June



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Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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